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Article MASONIC PORTRAITS (No. 4). FATHER TIME. ← Page 2 of 2 Article MASONIC PORTRAITS (No. 4). FATHER TIME. Page 2 of 2 Article MASONIC STUDIES. Page 1 of 2 →
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Masonic Portraits (No. 4). Father Time.
prize was the Shrievalty , which he failed to win . Yet right royally did he do battle for the robe and chain ; gsi ' - lantly , during a seven-days' contest , did he struggle against powerful opponents . Sparkling , indeed , were the witticisms which he ut fall on the day of his nomination , and net
less brilliant were his words when he had to stand before his fellow citizens and acknowledge defeat . The courage and talent of the man won him many friends during that memorable week , yet it was years before his just ambition was gratified . The day , indeed , came when the honourable
office which he sought was bestowed upon him with acclamation , and before he threw off its trappings and its responsibilities the Accolade of the sovereign was laid upon his neck , and Father Time retired from her presence with a handle to his name . It was honourably won , and
it has been honourably worn . Some asserted that it was for his horsemanship that he was thus distinguished . It is , indeed , true that the Civic magnates did escort the Chariot of Her Majesty , when she came in state to return thanks , at the great Metropolitan Cathedral , for the life of her son .
It is true also that , of all that brilliant train of Civic functionaries , Father Time alone sat his steed with the ease of an accomplished equestrian . We speak of what we know , for that brilliant State progress along Fleet Street lives in our memory , and our genial guardian of
the horologe won golden opinions . He was no less famed for hospitality during his year of office , and , to use his own words , which were uttered when he resigned his gown , " he filled the poor with good things , and the rich he did
not send empty away . " The sterner duties of his office were no less faithfully performed . He was at home everywhere ; at the Old Bailey ; at Newgate , when villains were flogged for robbery and violence , or when performing the last sad duties of his office to a wretch whose life had been
forfeited to appease outraged justice . It was said , indeed , that Father Time had too many press friends , and that those wretched parasites blew his trumpet rather loudly , because he filled their hungry maws with an occasional dinner . Anyhow the press were constantly sounding the
praises of " the genial" Father Time , and perhaps he has now learned that it it not good for a public man to have too many friends in Fleet Street . Such fame as a journalist can give is not worth much . If a man ' s work is of sterling quality , it will live , but the mere lip homage of the
curs who cater for the public dies with the day that gave it birth . We read the fulsome flattery in the morning , and the next day our servants light the fire with the wretched trash . Father Time , indeed , might well have dispensed with the wonderful trumpetings of the newspapers .
We have spoken of his genial disposition , but only those who know him can understand how much he might do for himself if he could manage to use his gifts discreetly . As an orator , he has no mean repute , and he can make a hustings speech as effectively as the most experienced
parliamentary speaker . His very gestures on the platform are effective ; there is fire in the very turn of his head , hidden drollery in the very toss of his curling locks , and wit drops like manna from his fluent tongue . He can say wise as well as witty things , and as a lecturer he is popular with all
classes . Father Time , indeed , usually lectures upon his own Horologe , but the history of that marvellous specimen of human ingenuity affords a theme which is worthy of the eloquence of a Demosthenes . In all the fables of ancient story—in all the wonders of the Arabian Nights—is there
anything so wonderful as that reality of modern science and skill—the Chronometer Balance , and detached lever escapement ? The art which enables the Mariner to find his longitude by the aid of that little glittering piece of metal , is almost akin to the Divine . Father Time need not
be ashamed of his lectures , although , perhaps , they served , honourably served , the purposes of his trade . The history of the "Nuremburg Egg , " from its first rudimentary form to its present perfection , is a history of the grandest
achievements of the human intellect . Astronomy would still be in its infancy but for the telescope , but it could never have been raised to the dignity of a science without the aid of an accurate instrument for the measurement of
time . We have said nothing of Father Time as a Mason , because his career as a citizen has , in truth , overshadowed his Masonic achievements . Yet he is well known and greatly
valued as a good and true brother , and stands high in the estimation of the Order . His ever open hand has never been restrained when the claims of charity were pressed upon his attention ; his tongue has never been
Masonic Portraits (No. 4). Father Time.
silent when a good cause needed an advocate . Zealous in ir fi-onry , and careful of its good name , he has never desi elided to use it for the purposes of business . He cares little indeed for Masonic jewellery , or the trap ;> n s of the Order , though , like a wise man , he may indifferently wear
ornaments when custom commands . At the Table ho is a jovial companion , and can tell a good story with the true zest of a man of wit . A tithe of the hon mots he carelessly flings around him would make the reputation of a comic writer , and the vein of satire in his nature , if turned to
account , might do good service if it were ever his fate to sit in judgment upon society and administer the lash to the shoulders of those who are the slaves of fashion . Father Time , indeed , would make a good professional satirist , if real satire were in demand in the literary market .
Our comic journals are all mealy mouthed , and have not courage to say true and bitter things . A turn for satire is , however , a weakness and a temptation to a public man ; he may , indeed , try to temper the vinegar and gall with honey , but the bitter things sink deep into the memory , and the
garnish of sweets seldom heals the wound . If we might venture to counsel so brave a man as Father Time , we should urge him to study the humours of the public , and keep a careful guard upon his tongue . We need scarcely advise him to be of good cheer . His motto has e ver been
Nil desperandum , and he still looks forward to the distant future in which he sees dimly the Civic Sword flashing before his eyes , and the chair of State made vacant for him to fill . But we advise him to look yet further afield , and
perhaps to a less remote future , when he may be called by his fellow subjects , though not by his fellow citizens , to take his place on the Great Council of the Nation . That day may not be far distant . The darkest hour is just before the dawn . Father Time has his fate in his own hands . Discretion and silence now may prepare him for action when the moment of conflict comes .
Masonic Studies.
MASONIC STUDIES .
THERE are plenty of people in this world who consider they have satisfied all the requirements of cleanliness when they have washed their hands and faces , or so much of their bodies as is ordinarily exposed to view . Not a few there are who think they are far from indifferent French
scholars when they can guess the meaning of a few sentences , or , because they have once or twice visited Paris , and contrived to expound their wants to the garpon in Anglo-French . There are even those who set themselves down as sound English scholars , nor hesitate to interpret
the meaning of some obscure passage in Shakespeare or Milton , on the strength of having mastered Lindley Murray and a spelling-book or two . Similarly , there is a considerable number of what may be called Holiday masons , who fancy , when having passed with more or less—generall y
more than less—prompting the earlier stages of their career , they at length obtain the dignity of a full-blown M . M ., that it only remains for them to rise to the position of a W . M ., and the cycle of their Masonic knowledge is complete . How many M . M . ' s are there who can explain a
Tracing-Board ? How many who can work even the first section ? much less go through , unfalteringly , the first lecture ? There are regular Lodges of Instruction , yet comparatively how few there are who think of attending them , and how few of those who attend who are not almost
wholly dependent on the preceptor or their next door neigh - hour for the answers they give to the simplest question . Are there many W . M . ' s who can open and close a Lodge in the three degrees without the friendly aid of a more than usually learned P . M . ? We are sure it is in the experience
of most of our readers that the working of our ritual is too often the reverse of perfect , and this is due principally to the fact that so many brethren are content to believe that Masonry is simply a few signs and tokens , or rather that familiar acquaintance with certain signs and words is a perfect knowledge of Masonry .
Considering we have only the good of Masonry in view , we feel sure that our readers will forgive us for drawing attention to the too prevailing carelessness in the pursuit
of Masonic knowledge . What we say , we say in sorrow rather than in anger . From one point of view , the idea that brethren who have reached the sublime degree and eat so many Lodges per annum , as the Law students
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Portraits (No. 4). Father Time.
prize was the Shrievalty , which he failed to win . Yet right royally did he do battle for the robe and chain ; gsi ' - lantly , during a seven-days' contest , did he struggle against powerful opponents . Sparkling , indeed , were the witticisms which he ut fall on the day of his nomination , and net
less brilliant were his words when he had to stand before his fellow citizens and acknowledge defeat . The courage and talent of the man won him many friends during that memorable week , yet it was years before his just ambition was gratified . The day , indeed , came when the honourable
office which he sought was bestowed upon him with acclamation , and before he threw off its trappings and its responsibilities the Accolade of the sovereign was laid upon his neck , and Father Time retired from her presence with a handle to his name . It was honourably won , and
it has been honourably worn . Some asserted that it was for his horsemanship that he was thus distinguished . It is , indeed , true that the Civic magnates did escort the Chariot of Her Majesty , when she came in state to return thanks , at the great Metropolitan Cathedral , for the life of her son .
It is true also that , of all that brilliant train of Civic functionaries , Father Time alone sat his steed with the ease of an accomplished equestrian . We speak of what we know , for that brilliant State progress along Fleet Street lives in our memory , and our genial guardian of
the horologe won golden opinions . He was no less famed for hospitality during his year of office , and , to use his own words , which were uttered when he resigned his gown , " he filled the poor with good things , and the rich he did
not send empty away . " The sterner duties of his office were no less faithfully performed . He was at home everywhere ; at the Old Bailey ; at Newgate , when villains were flogged for robbery and violence , or when performing the last sad duties of his office to a wretch whose life had been
forfeited to appease outraged justice . It was said , indeed , that Father Time had too many press friends , and that those wretched parasites blew his trumpet rather loudly , because he filled their hungry maws with an occasional dinner . Anyhow the press were constantly sounding the
praises of " the genial" Father Time , and perhaps he has now learned that it it not good for a public man to have too many friends in Fleet Street . Such fame as a journalist can give is not worth much . If a man ' s work is of sterling quality , it will live , but the mere lip homage of the
curs who cater for the public dies with the day that gave it birth . We read the fulsome flattery in the morning , and the next day our servants light the fire with the wretched trash . Father Time , indeed , might well have dispensed with the wonderful trumpetings of the newspapers .
We have spoken of his genial disposition , but only those who know him can understand how much he might do for himself if he could manage to use his gifts discreetly . As an orator , he has no mean repute , and he can make a hustings speech as effectively as the most experienced
parliamentary speaker . His very gestures on the platform are effective ; there is fire in the very turn of his head , hidden drollery in the very toss of his curling locks , and wit drops like manna from his fluent tongue . He can say wise as well as witty things , and as a lecturer he is popular with all
classes . Father Time , indeed , usually lectures upon his own Horologe , but the history of that marvellous specimen of human ingenuity affords a theme which is worthy of the eloquence of a Demosthenes . In all the fables of ancient story—in all the wonders of the Arabian Nights—is there
anything so wonderful as that reality of modern science and skill—the Chronometer Balance , and detached lever escapement ? The art which enables the Mariner to find his longitude by the aid of that little glittering piece of metal , is almost akin to the Divine . Father Time need not
be ashamed of his lectures , although , perhaps , they served , honourably served , the purposes of his trade . The history of the "Nuremburg Egg , " from its first rudimentary form to its present perfection , is a history of the grandest
achievements of the human intellect . Astronomy would still be in its infancy but for the telescope , but it could never have been raised to the dignity of a science without the aid of an accurate instrument for the measurement of
time . We have said nothing of Father Time as a Mason , because his career as a citizen has , in truth , overshadowed his Masonic achievements . Yet he is well known and greatly
valued as a good and true brother , and stands high in the estimation of the Order . His ever open hand has never been restrained when the claims of charity were pressed upon his attention ; his tongue has never been
Masonic Portraits (No. 4). Father Time.
silent when a good cause needed an advocate . Zealous in ir fi-onry , and careful of its good name , he has never desi elided to use it for the purposes of business . He cares little indeed for Masonic jewellery , or the trap ;> n s of the Order , though , like a wise man , he may indifferently wear
ornaments when custom commands . At the Table ho is a jovial companion , and can tell a good story with the true zest of a man of wit . A tithe of the hon mots he carelessly flings around him would make the reputation of a comic writer , and the vein of satire in his nature , if turned to
account , might do good service if it were ever his fate to sit in judgment upon society and administer the lash to the shoulders of those who are the slaves of fashion . Father Time , indeed , would make a good professional satirist , if real satire were in demand in the literary market .
Our comic journals are all mealy mouthed , and have not courage to say true and bitter things . A turn for satire is , however , a weakness and a temptation to a public man ; he may , indeed , try to temper the vinegar and gall with honey , but the bitter things sink deep into the memory , and the
garnish of sweets seldom heals the wound . If we might venture to counsel so brave a man as Father Time , we should urge him to study the humours of the public , and keep a careful guard upon his tongue . We need scarcely advise him to be of good cheer . His motto has e ver been
Nil desperandum , and he still looks forward to the distant future in which he sees dimly the Civic Sword flashing before his eyes , and the chair of State made vacant for him to fill . But we advise him to look yet further afield , and
perhaps to a less remote future , when he may be called by his fellow subjects , though not by his fellow citizens , to take his place on the Great Council of the Nation . That day may not be far distant . The darkest hour is just before the dawn . Father Time has his fate in his own hands . Discretion and silence now may prepare him for action when the moment of conflict comes .
Masonic Studies.
MASONIC STUDIES .
THERE are plenty of people in this world who consider they have satisfied all the requirements of cleanliness when they have washed their hands and faces , or so much of their bodies as is ordinarily exposed to view . Not a few there are who think they are far from indifferent French
scholars when they can guess the meaning of a few sentences , or , because they have once or twice visited Paris , and contrived to expound their wants to the garpon in Anglo-French . There are even those who set themselves down as sound English scholars , nor hesitate to interpret
the meaning of some obscure passage in Shakespeare or Milton , on the strength of having mastered Lindley Murray and a spelling-book or two . Similarly , there is a considerable number of what may be called Holiday masons , who fancy , when having passed with more or less—generall y
more than less—prompting the earlier stages of their career , they at length obtain the dignity of a full-blown M . M ., that it only remains for them to rise to the position of a W . M ., and the cycle of their Masonic knowledge is complete . How many M . M . ' s are there who can explain a
Tracing-Board ? How many who can work even the first section ? much less go through , unfalteringly , the first lecture ? There are regular Lodges of Instruction , yet comparatively how few there are who think of attending them , and how few of those who attend who are not almost
wholly dependent on the preceptor or their next door neigh - hour for the answers they give to the simplest question . Are there many W . M . ' s who can open and close a Lodge in the three degrees without the friendly aid of a more than usually learned P . M . ? We are sure it is in the experience
of most of our readers that the working of our ritual is too often the reverse of perfect , and this is due principally to the fact that so many brethren are content to believe that Masonry is simply a few signs and tokens , or rather that familiar acquaintance with certain signs and words is a perfect knowledge of Masonry .
Considering we have only the good of Masonry in view , we feel sure that our readers will forgive us for drawing attention to the too prevailing carelessness in the pursuit
of Masonic knowledge . What we say , we say in sorrow rather than in anger . From one point of view , the idea that brethren who have reached the sublime degree and eat so many Lodges per annum , as the Law students